Presenters on BBC news bulletins in the region are set to step into cyberspace thanks to technology that will allow them to interact with viewers and stories in real time.

University of Salford researchers have been working with the BBC North West Tonight team to develop a touch-screen for presenters to interact with viewers’ comments and pictures from social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter.

Computer science lecturer Lee Griffiths and software engineering student Adil Zaheer have designed and built a bespoke app called MediaSurface, which allows presenters to check and display viewers’ messages live on air.

The software is loaded on to a large touch-screen computer, the Microsoft Surface, which can be operated by presenters during the programme.

Lee said: “Interactive touch- screens and surfaces are becoming commonplace since being popularised with products like the iPhone, and our touch surface application allows TV presenters to display and manipulate pictures and comments sent in by viewers.

“As far as we know, this kind of media interaction using audience comments on live TV has not been attempted before. We really believe that it can bring the presenters much closer to their viewers’ opinions as news breaks.”

The team carried out trials in the BBC’s Oxford Road studios in Manchester where presenter Gordon Burns and technical assistant editor Phil Smith were keen to test the new concept to see how they could work with it on a live show for their new studios at MediaCityUK.

Mr Burns said: “The MediaSurface is a presenter’s dream.

“When you leave the studio literally buzzing and with a real spring in your step after trying out a new piece of technology, you know it’s something special!

“Traditionally, we read out viewers’ Facebook comments and tweets as well as showing some of the photos they’ve sent us on Flickr.

“This time we did it through the MediaSurface. It gave me total control of the item, was visually exciting and was fun to do. I can’t wait to have another go – hopefully live on air!”

It is hoped that the BBC will use the touch surface in a live news show over the summer.

The technology has the potential to be commercialised and be rolled out further across the BBC. The University of Salford will open its own teaching and research facility at MediaCityUK later this year. Alongside the BBC and ITV, 1,500 students and staff will be joining professional broadcasters to develop career opportunities and create new applications – such as these touch screens.